Monday, October 30, 2017

My Weight Loss Journey Week #8 | 20lbs Lost ♥

So here we are, 8 weeks into my weight loss journey and I'm still going strong... kinda. It's been an eventful 8 weeks really and a lot has changed in such a short space of time. I'm no gallbladder-less and learning to adjust to life without a place to store bile - essential for breaking down fat.

I amaze myself with all the capsules I manage to swallow each day to make sure my digestive system and liver are functioning, as well as the supplements I take to support my weight loss - that Nicki Minaj song 'Pills and Potions' pops into my head anytime it's time to take a digestive enzyme!

I'm still having my glass of apple cider vinegar mixed with water every morning, it's like my daily tonic. I'm not sure if it's doing anything for me now I no longer have a gallbladder but hopefully it's helping the digestive process somewhat.

Obviously, I've still be recovering from my operation and waiting for my incisions to heal fully before I go pounding the pavements with Beau in his buggy again, but I have managed to go on little walks here and there and on Saturday, when Jacek, the boys and I went to Doneraile Park, I walked over 5k - uphill too. Tyler is on mid-term this week but I'm determined to get out for some walks in the evening once the boys are in bed, as well as my strolls with them during the day.

I have to admit, this week I've been snacking on crap and I need to cut it out. I couldn't resist having a caramel slice or two, I also had some crisps and some chocolate. I don't know about anyone else, but this time of year just makes me want to snack on crap in the evenings whilst watching TV. I have still been having proper dinners and my shakes, etc. though so maybe a treat or two here and there is earned, but I just don't want to fall into bad habits again.

Today I'm 20lbs lighter than what I was on this day in August when I started on this whole weight loss journey (again). I've been waylaid these past two weeks due to my operation (which I didn't know what happening until a few days before) and I really do miss my daily walks. Running around after my two, wild and energetic boys all day though has kept me active and soon I'll be out walking the roads again.

I'm delighted with my progress, life for me is much better lighter and I'm starting to like the person I'm seeing staring back to me in the mirror. My face is a lot more defined - I even spot a hint of cheekbones, I no longer have a horrible double chin, my arms are a lot smaller than they were and my stomach is a lot flatter too - even through the swelling and bruising of surgery. My clothes fit a lot better and in some cases are too big or a lot looser than they once were. My confidence is growing too and it's nice to see my efforts giving me the results I want.

I no longer cringe at pictures taken of me as I can see the results of my weight loss. I'm happy to step in for a picture with my boys and that's one of the best rewards of this whole journey for me. I've had two babies, I'm always going to have lumps and bumps, but they're more livable with now I know they're natural and not just the result of over-eating and not exercising.

Just 12lbs more to go until my big weight loss goal, the one I really want to achieve this year. I'll be delighted if I can get there and then anything lost after that will be a major bonus. I'm finding that my measurement losses are really slowing down though and I've only lost 1.5cm this week, but maybe my body is just becoming more defined. I'm very happy with another 2lbs weight loss though - this seems to be my loss every week!

It's amazing how much you can change yourself in just 8 short weeks... now if I could just manage a trip to the hairdressers I'd be sorted!